After checking my BBC weather app this morning all doubts were confirmed that the weather will not improve that much over the next few days. It should get better over subsequent weeks just in time for the summer festivals (I say remaining hopeful). On that note, as I think about the number of festivals heading our way, I can’t help but feel a little overwhelmed with excitement at the thought of rocking up to one with the girls like the fierce glam squad we are. I guess there’s nothing stopping us from booking festival tickets now as an affirmation to ourselves that we will have a bright and wonderful summer. Furthermore, I have some news for you about what I believe will make you look the part at any festival. So, what’s in your diary? Glastonbury? V Festival? Or Love Box maybe? Come rain or shine, go prepared with fashionable wellies together with a pair of denim shorts and a t-shirt, or a bohemian-style dress with cowboy boots. Better still, add something a little different to your outfit ensemble – go one step further with a distinctive adornment the celebs have adopted in the fashion stakes over the years. Any idea? Having recently visited Depicool in the city, I learned that henna is becoming increasingly popular as a fashion and beauty statement, and seemingly ideal for summer when wearing less to show more is part of the summer vibe.

As a ceremonial tradition in such countries like Pakistan, India and in some Arabian cultures, henna otherwise known as a decorative design is painted on parts of the body i.e. the hands or feet for special events. This tradition is said to have started in India thousands of years ago having been adopted as a ritual for ceremonies that are festive in nature. Henna is also commonly used in Hindu weddings; a pre-wedding ritual that occurs on the eve of the wedding where a professional henna artist applies mehndi (a paste) to the brides’ feet and hands. Although I have no plans to get married anytime soon what I do know about henna is that it’s a beautiful art form used to make a creative statement for any occasion. If you dig deeper into the history of henna design you’ll learn that it compliments the style and overall mood of a festival. Henna is, in fact, a plant that grows in the hot climates of Asia. It was used to make a paste that inhabitants would place on the soles of their feet, and the palms of their hands. This application had a cooling effect for as long as the paste was on. Once the paste dried, however, it would leave patterns in the skin lasting from 1 to 3 weeks hence the rise of the henna tradition giving more people ideas for designs and decorations.

I had my first ever henna tattoo at Depicool recently. My beauty therapist, Sarah, placed a decorative stencil on my left arm. The design was feminine encompassing a floral motif. She then used a white paint to fill in the stencil (still positioned on my arm) and then glue to keep the stencil in place while the paint dried for about 5-10 minutes. After this, Sarah sprinkled talcum powder over the paint to set it before removing the stencil. She then sprayed the design with fixing spray for extra hold. I couldn’t get my arm wet thereafter so avoided showering until very late that night. I still had a little residue from the glue on my arm which was a little stubborn to remove when showering but I experienced no irritation prior to this and eventually the residue disappeared. I have very sensitive skin which didn’t react to the application of the glue or fixing spray so I came to the conclusion that both were suitable for all skin types. Sarah advised me to cover the henna tattoo with talcum powder and then wrap it with cling film before showering which I accidentally forgot to do but this didn’t cause it to fade in the slightest. I allowed my henna tattoo to dry as advised. To my surprise, it lasted for up to 4 days!

Henna Design at Depicool

I would definitely recommend a henna tattoo for any festival especially as it has cooling properties, and would compliment a summer outfit well. I would recommend white paint for dark skin, and black paint for light skin for a stunning contrast. We all love a bit of boho-chic and Depicool can definitely help with this. For 20% off your henna tattoo quote #satisfactionguaranteed20. Offer expires 31st July 2016 or book one of my Skype-Style sessions (SSS) for more fashion and beauty tips. Before I leave you to think about what type of henna design you’d wear to reflect your own personality here is a peek at some top celebrities who have adorned henna designs over the years in support of the tradition through fashion and music.

Rihanna Adorning Henna

Madonna Adorning Henna

Katy Perry Adorning Henna

Lastly, just so you look on point across the board have a shellac manicure and pedicure in Artistic Colour Gloss ‘Uptown’ I had a shellac pedicure after my henna design and had my beauty therapist, Amy, apply ‘Uptown’ which is neutral in color and didn’t overshadow my henna design or outfit. Overall, you want a good balance between your make-up, accessories, and clothing so as to stand out for all the right reasons. Festival season, here we come!!

Artistic Colour Gloss in Uptown

Written by @Styleiconnat | Images from Pinterest